Chapter Fifty-Two: The Troublesome Wind Sprite Everyone Dreads
Outside the manor, Feng Siniang came and went, then returned once more to the Shen family estate.
When she gracefully landed atop the wall, she already spotted the person basking in the sun in the front courtyard.
In all the world, Feng Siniang had never admired any martial artist, not even the famed Ba Mountain Daoist known throughout the land, the Iron Mountain Master of the Shaolin Temple, nor the master of hidden weapons, Lady Zhu, the so-called “Thousand-Handed Avalokitesvara.” Yet this man, that languid figure, earned her absolute admiration.
Siniang had never seen anyone so arrogant, so unrestrained, so carefree as him. But now, upon seeing him again, her temper flared uncontrollably.
Leaping down from the wall without fear of being seen, Feng Siniang stood blocking the sunlight before him.
With eyes half-closed, she asked, “Why have you come again?”
Feng Siniang snapped, “You’ve stolen the man, but my sword is still missing!”
He opened his eyes lazily, puzzled. “What does that have to do with me?”
Her eyes gleamed like twin full moons as she glared, “We agreed at the tavern—we'd steal the man and retrieve the sword together. Are you trying to deny your part?”
He rolled his eyes. “Back then, I was to steal my man, you your sword. They’re unrelated. Besides, when I fought them, you were the one who dodged fastest.”
Feng Siniang showed no shame, no hint of embarrassment, only a cold retort: “Are you alright? If you’re fine, then what’s there to argue? Just help me find my sword.”
He didn’t even bother to roll his eyes again, closing his eyes, ignoring her.
She pressed, “Will you help me or not?”
No response. Not a sound, not a flutter of his eyelids.
Her gaze flickered, voice softening, “You really won’t help?”
Still no movement.
Suddenly, she glared fiercely, “If you don’t speak, I’ll tell the matriarch of the Shen family that I’m your lawful wife.”
“Though you’re older, I don’t mind!”
Feng Siniang cursed, “You shameless brat!”
He opened his eyes, calm as ever, “You’re an equally shameless woman. We’re even.”
...
If a woman is never ashamed, then no matter how unbelievable her actions, you shouldn’t be too surprised—because such a woman’s mere existence is incredible.
A troublemaker like Feng Siniang, a demoness dreaded by all in the martial world, must be rare—possibly unique.
The autumn wind whispered coldly; the leaves showed faint hints of yellow.
At the Shen family’s rear quarters, Ren Yi was politely summoned by servants. Then, dumbfounded, he beheld the scene before him...
---
A charming woman clung to another stunningly beautiful woman; both wept, their tears soaking their collars.
Ren Yi watched them, clicking his tongue in amazement, unable to suppress his applause. “Impressive, impressive! No wonder you, Feng Siniang, the demoness, can pull off anything.”
The moment he spoke, both women turned to glare at him, their eyes filled with sorrow, heartbreak, hatred, disgust, worry, grief, endless bitterness, and infinite grievance.
Under their gaze, Ren Yi seemed like a heartless villain who had broken their hearts and deserved nothing but eternal damnation.
Madam Shen, face grave, voice steady, asked, “Is she really your lawful wife?”
Ren Yi sighed deeply, “Given the looks on your faces, if I said no, would you believe me?”
Shen Bijun sobbed, “Siniang treats you so well, yet you do such things to her. How could there be such a villain like you in the world?”
Feng Siniang lamented, “Forget it, Bijun. Since he already fancies you, you two... just get along well.”
Bijun said mournfully, “Don’t worry, Siniang. Even if I die, I will never marry him.”
Watching them, Ren Yi sighed again, singing softly, “What is love in this world, that it binds life and death...”
Bijun snapped, furious, “You’re utterly heartless! You... you...”
Ren Yi retorted sourly, “Shut up!”
Bijun froze. Ren Yi then told the demoness, “I’ll help you get your sword back.”
At this, the sorrowful Feng Siniang immediately stopped crying, halted her misery and heartbreak.
“Is that true?”
Ren Yi nodded. Feng Siniang smiled brightly...
At that moment, Madam Shen could see clearly she had been deceived by this girl. It was no fault of her own failing eyesight. Both women already held grudges against Ren Yi, utterly dissatisfied.
Moreover, with Ren Yi withholding his background and Feng Siniang spinning a flawless tale, how could the two not be fooled?
“You... you...”
Ren Yi sighed, “You’re so naive, even I want to trick you once.”
Shen Bijun bit her lip, bowed her head, ashamed to face anyone, overwhelmed with indescribable grievance.
Feng Siniang chuckled lightly, “Sister, don’t blame me. This guy won’t budge, so I had no choice but to use this trick.”
Just then, a servant approached.
“Madam, Young Master Wan has arrived with Zhao, the Sect Leader of the Innate Wuji Sect.”
Madam Shen said, “Please bring Sect Leader Zhao to the rear courtyard.”
“Yes, madam!”
---
The servant withdrew. Madam Shen glanced at the women, then at Ren Yi. “The sword you mentioned—is it the Deer-Cutting Sword?”
Ren Yi nodded.
Madam Shen asked, “You want to retrieve it too?”
Ren Yi countered, “Do you think I can’t?”
Madam Shen sighed, “Why must you make so many enemies?”
Ren Yi smiled, “If I acted with too many concerns, it would be a disgrace to my name, Ren Yi.”
Madam Shen fell silent.
After a moment, Wan Chongshan entered the rear courtyard, accompanied by a fair-faced, slightly bearded middle-aged man. The man had a round face, a slightly plump figure, and wore a perfectly tailored blue satin robe embroidered with floral patterns.
Zhao Wuji immediately scrutinized Ren Yi upon arrival. Naturally, he already knew what had transpired hours earlier. If only a few had spoken of it, he might not have believed it. But with hundreds discussing the matter, however incredible, he had no choice but to accept it.
Could this man truly be that fiend?
Madam Shen noticed only Zhao Wuji had come to guard the sword and sensed something was amiss.
Zhao Wuji bowed respectfully. “I’m late. Thank you, Madam, for your long wait. Please forgive me.”
Madam Shen forced a smile. “Better late than never.”
“Indeed.”
After greeting, Zhao Wuji clasped his fists. “I am Zhao Wuji of the Innate Wuji Sect. Greetings to Young Master Ren, Miss Shen, and this lady.”
Shen Bijun returned the greeting, “Greetings, Sect Leader Zhao.”
Ren Yi said nothing, and Feng Siniang followed suit.
Though harboring resentment, Zhao Wuji dared not show any displeasure.
Madam Shen asked, “Where are Tu Xiaotian, Hai Lingzi, and that Old Eagle King? Why haven’t they come? Are they too ashamed to see me?”
Zhao Wuji sighed. “They truly have no face left to meet you.”
Madam Shen asked, “The sword is lost, isn’t it?”
Zhao Wuji lowered his head in acknowledgment.